Does anyone know the release date and UK price for this phone?

It seems to be just what I'm looking for. Would prefer a slightly smaller phone like the better specced Z5 compact however there's so many reviews saying they overheat that I might take a punt on the new A3 unless there are any smaller alternatives about.

It's a shame there's no Androids around the same size as the iphone 5s.

I've heard March-April kinda time.

The current A-series handsets (well, the A3 and A4 - the A7 and A8 never made it over here) launched a number of months later in the UK than in some other countries. So end of Q1/start of Q2 next year fits.

You'll probably be able to get your hands on one from online stores not long after they go on sale elsewhere.